Sake History in a Nutshell

​⛩️ Sacred beginnings

Sake has been around for more than 2,000 years! In the beginning, it wasn’t just a drink—it was sacred. People offered it to the gods and used it in ceremonies, from celebrations to mourning rituals.

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🧘 Shrines take the lead

Around 1,000 years ago, shrines became the main sake brewers. That’s when things got interesting—different types of sake started to emerge, and techniques became more refined.

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🍶 Edo Era glow-up

Fast forward to the Edo Period (1603–1868)—a golden age for sake brewing. Many of the methods still used today were born here! Fun fact: Japan was already heat-treating sake to stabilize it before Louis Pasteur made pasteurization famous in France.

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🌍 Sake goes global

In 1872, sake made its international debut at the Vienna International Exposition under the name Nihonshu (literally "Japanese alcohol"). 💡 In Japan, sake means “alcohol” in general—so if you want to be specific, say Nihonshu!

Today’s sake scene Sake is now brewed not just in Japan but also in the USA, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and across Asia. There are bold new styles and centuries-old classics, all waiting to be explored.

#haveanicesake 🍶